i 

# Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Manual

March 2016Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

ii TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PREFACE .................................................................................................................... .. 1

2. PHILOSOPHY & MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................. 1

3. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ......................................................... 1

4. DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................. 2

5. ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................... 2

5.1 OPERATIONS MANUAL ................................................................................................. 2 5.2 ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................... 2 5.3 PERSONNEL ................................................................................................................. 3 5.4 FACILITIES .................................................................................................................. 4 5.5 SCHEDULING ............................................................................................................... 4 5.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 4

6. SAFETY ..................................................................................................................... .... 4

6.1 SAFETY POLICY ........................................................................................................... 4 6.2 OPERATIONAL HAZARD AND OCCURRENCE REPORT ( OHOR ) AND INVESTIGATION ....... 5 6.3 SAFETY OFFICER

–OPERATOR / OBSERVER / COORDINATOR ........................................... 6 6.4 SAFETY TRAINING ....................................................................................................... 6 6.5 MEDICAL FACTORS ...................................................................................................... 6

7. TRAINING ................................................................................................................... . 7

7.1 OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................. 7 7.2 INSTRUCTORS .............................................................................................................. 7 7.3 TRAINING PLANS ......................................................................................................... 7 7.4 INITIAL TRAINING ........................................................................................................ 7 7.5 RECURRENT TRAINING ................................................................................................ 8 7.6 MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................... 8

8. GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES ............................................................... 8

8.1 REQUEST FOR UAS SUPPORT ........................................................................................ 8 8.2 CALL

- OUT PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 8 8.3 DEPLOYMENT PRIORITIES .......................................................................................... 10 8.4 FLIGHT BOUNDARIES ................................................................................................. 10 8.5 MINIMUM PERSON NEL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 10 8.6 PERSONNEL RESPONSIBIL ITIES FOR DEPLOYMENTS .................................................... 10 8.7 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................. 11

9. PRE-FLIGHT/POST-FLIGHT ACTIONS .............................................................. 11

9.1 INSPECTIONS ............................................................................................................. 11 9.2 WEATHER .................................................................................................................. 12 9.3 DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................................................... 12 9.4 PLANNING ................................................................................................................. 12 9.5 CHECKLISTS .............................................................................................................. 13Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

iii 9.6 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................... 13 9.7 OTHER ....................................................................................................................... 13Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 

### 1. Preface

The following procedures are intended to prom ote safe, efficient and lawful operation of the MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. unmanned aer ial system (UAS). Safety, above all else, is the primary concern in each and ever y operation, regardless of the nature of the mission.



### 2. Philosophy & Mission Statement

It shall be the mission of those personne l of MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC who are trained in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to use this resource to provide aerial photography.

It shall be the intent of every UAS operator to make reasonable effort to not invade a person's reasonable expectation of privacy when operating the UAS. When operating the UAS, MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. operators abide by all FAA Regulations for flight and receive the proper aut horization for flight.



### 3. Protection of Rights and Privacy

UAS operators and observers ensure the protec tion of private individua ls’ civil rights and reasonable expectations of privacy before deploying the UAS. UAS operators and observers ensure and are held accountable for ensuring that operations of the UAS intrude to a minimal extent upon the private persons and businesses. To accomplish this primary goal, MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. observes the following:

1. When the UAS is flown, the onboard cameras are turned so as to be facing away from occupied structures, etc. to minimi ze inadvertent video or still images of uninvolved persons or property. 2. MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. does not c onduct random survei llance activities. The use of the UAS is tightly controlled and regulated. 3. All authorized missions for MARYL AND SKY PICS, INC. UAS are for:

a. Aerial photography of resident ial and commercial properties. 4. A committee is formed and meets semi-annually for the purpose of reviewing the existing UAS procedures as well new tec hnologies, laws, and regulations on UAS usage. The committee consists of pers onnel from MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. and business partners and advisors. 5. MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. UAS opera te strictly within the law and regulations. If in doubt, prio r to operating the UAS we ensure that the proper forms and applications are applied for and obtained. We balance all operations with the need to accomplish the mission while maintaining public privacy and the freedom from intrusion.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 

### 4. Definitions

1. Aircraft: any contrivance inve nted, used, or designed to na vigate, or fly in, the air. 2. Airport: a landing area used regularly by aircraft for receiving or discharging

passengers or cargo. 3. Civil aircraft: an aircraft except a public aircraft. 4. Landing area: a place on land or water, in cluding an airport or intermediate landing field, used, or intended to be use d, for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, even when facilities are not provided for sheltering, servicing, or repairing aircraft, or for receiving or di scharging passengers or cargo.



### 5. Administration

5.1 Operations Manual

1. The policies and procedures contained in this manual are issued by MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC.. As such it is an official business doc ument of MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. 2. This manual is not intended to be all-in clusive, but as a supplement to other company guidelines, Federal Aviation Ad ministration regulations, pre-flight safety checklists, aircraft manufactur ers' approved flight manual, etc. 3. This manual is been written to address UAS operations as they existed when it was drafted. Equipment, personnel, envi ronment (internal and external), etc., change over time. The management of cha nge involves a systematic approach to monitoring organizational change and is a critical part of the risk management process. Given this, it is essential that this manual be continually updated as necessary. The entire manual must be review ed, at a minimum, annually to assure it is up to date. Any changes to the ma nual will be communicated as currently dictated by company policy. 4. A copy of the manual (electronic and/or pape r) is issued to ev ery person having UAS responsibilities.

5.2 Organization

1. The UAS unit is comprised of those personnel approved by MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. and includes operators, observer s and others deemed necessary and an have assignment as pa rt of the UAS crew. 2. Assignment to the UAS crew is carefu lly selected by MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. from specially trained staff me mbers of MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. with knowledge of the airs pace within which the ope ration will take place and how that airspace fits into the National Airspace System (NAS).Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 5.3 Personnel

1. The UAS flight coordinator or pilot-in -command (PIC) is responsible for the overall direction and performance of the UAS unit and exercises command and control over it. 2. UAS Coordinator Responsibilities:

a. maintaining all training, flight and ma intenance records for each operator and observer as well as individual airframes; b. maintain contact with the FAA and regulations as they change

c. evaluate airframes ba sed on mission needs; 3. Operators:

a. To be considered for selection as an operator, Maryland Sky Pics, Inc. must meet the requirements for and successfully pass a MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. administered UAS Op erators Course in order to be accepted into the UAS crew. b. Operators interacting with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities (TRACON) shall have sufficient expertise to perform that task readily. Operator s must have an understanding of, and comply with FAA Regulations applicable to the airspace where the UAS operates.

c. An operator's primary duty is the safe and effective operation of the UAS in accordance with the manufacturers' approved flight manual, FAA regulations and company policy and pr ocedures. Operators must remain knowledgeable of all FAA regulations; UAS manufacturer's flight manual and bulletins and company policy and procedures. d. Operators may be temporarily removed from flight status at any time by the UAS coordinator, for reasons including performance, proficiency, physical condition, etc. Should this become necessary, the operator will be notified verbally and in writing of the reason, furt her action to be taken and expected duration of such removal.

e. The UAS Coordinator shall maintain a file for each operator which shall include copies of training records, f light incidents, etc. This file is reviewed in accordance with curren t company policy and procedures. 4. Observers

a. Observers must have been provid ed with sufficient training to communicate clearly to the operator a ny turning instruct ions required to stay clear of conflicting traffic and obstacles. Observers receive training on rules and responsibilities descri bed in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft, 14 CFR 91.13, Right-of- Way Rules, cloud clearance, inflight visibility, and the pilot contro ller glossary including standard ATC phraseology and communication. 14 CFR 91.17, Alcohol or Drugs, applies to UAS observers. b. An observer's primary duty is to op erate the UAS's equipment including cameras, FLIR, radio communications with other crew members and property owners as well as be an obs erver for anything that may affect the operator's primary duty (see and avoid).Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 c. The UAS Coordinator maintains a file for each observer, which includes copies of training records, UAS incidents, etc.

5.4 Facilities

1. UAS operations are housed and maintain ed at a facility designated by MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. 2. Personnel must not leave the designated facility without making sure the UAS equipment is secured. 3. All personnel are equally responsible for ma intaining the facility in a neat, clean and orderly fashion.

5.5 Scheduling

1. To facilitate the broad use of the UAS, it sh all be made available to all UAS flight crew members. 2. To maintain a level of proficiency with th e UAS, operators are re quired, as part of their acceptance into the UAS flight crew , to attend training every two months. Training is coordinated through the UAS flight crew and announced in advance for scheduling purposes.

5.6 Miscellaneous

1. Inquiries from the news media must be forwarded to the MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. and its president, Joseph W. Gladden. Operators/Observers shall follow currently established company polic y regarding interactions and inquiries from the media. 2. Requests for support from third-parties will be responded to by the UAS coordinator. Should the request involve an immediate threat to life, or property, the operator is authorized to accept or decline the request. Proper policy and procedure, as well as FAA regulations must be followed when accepting mutual aid support for the UAS. 3. Complaints or inquiries regarding UAS operations must be referred to the UAS coordinator.



### 6. Safety

6.1 Safety Policy

1. MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. is committed to having a safe and healthy workplace, including:

a. The ongoing pursuit of an accident free workplace, including no harm to people, no damage to equipment, the environment and property. b. A culture of open reporting of all safety hazards in which management will not initiate disciplinary acti on against any personnel who, in good faith, disclose a hazard or safety occurrence due to uni ntentional conduct.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 c. Support for safety training and awareness programs. d. Conducting regular audits of safety po licies, procedures and practices.

e. Monitoring the UAS community to ensure best safety practices are incorporated into the organization. 2. It is the duty of every member within th e UAS flight crew to contribute to the goal of continued safe operations. This contribution comes in many forms and includes always operating in the safest manner practicable and never taking unnecessary risks. Any safety hazard, whether procedural, operational, or maintenance related must be identified as soon as possible after, if not before, an incident occurs. Any suggesti ons in the interest of safe ty should be made to the UAS Coordinator. 3. If any member observes, or has knowle dge of an unsafe or dangerous act committed by another member, the UAS coordinator is to be notified immediately so that corrective action may be taken.

6.2 Operational Hazard and Occurrence Report (OHOR) and Investigations

1. Occurrences are unplanned safety related events, including accidents and incidents that could impact safety. A hazar d is something that has the potential to cause harm. The systematic identificatio n and control of all major hazards is foundational to safety. 2. The OHOR concept provides a mechanism to report hazards and occurrences, real and perceived, to those res ponsible for UAS operations. 3. There is no specific format for the OHOR as the information provided is what is important, not the format and should be used without hesi tation to report any anticipated, current, or experienced safety hazard, or occurrence. Further, the OHOR can be submitted anonymously, and to whatever level in the chain of command, to get the matter proper atte ntion, without fear of reprisal. 4. Written memorandums fully explaining the problem will be given to the UAS coordinator for investigation. 5. Every hazard and/or occurrence is invest igated, with the results and corrective action taken communicated to all members. The investigation will be conducted by the UAS coordinator or any other member of the company who has the technical skill necessary to do it. The services of an independent subject matter expert may be necessary in some cas es to assure a thorough and complete investigation. 6. Hazards requiring immediate attention will be brought to the attention of the UAS coordinator, verbally, without delay. 7. ALL MEMBERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT A HAZARD if in that member's opinion delay will result in accident or injury. The UAS coordinator will be notified i mmediately in such situations.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 6.3 Safety Officer - Operator/Observer/Coordinator

1. In regards to safety, all members of the UAS flight crew are responsible for the following:

a. Ensuring all flight operations perso nnel understand applicable regulatory requirements, standards and organizati onal safety policies and procedures. b. Observe and control safety syst ems by monitoring all operations.

c. Review standards and the practices of company pe rsonnel as they impact operational safety. d. Communicate all reported safety re lated problems and the corrective action taken. If there were any in-flight problems (or learned experiences), the proper procedures for handling th at problem should be discussed.

e. Copy and circulate pertinent safety information. f. Copy and circulate emergency safety bulletins.

g. Place any electronic copies of safety informa tion or bulletins in a conspicuous location for all employees to access. h. It is emphasized again that safety is the responsibility of ALL members of the UAS unit.

6.4 Safety Training

1. All members shall receive training in the following subjects prior to operating the UAS:

a. Company commitment to safety b. Company policy

c. UAS member's role in safety d. Emergency safety procedures 2. All members shall review the company safe ty policy and procedures on an annual basis and that review shall be noted in their training history.

6.5 Medical Factors

1. Operator and Observers shall only deploy the UAS when rested and emotionally prepared for the tasks at hand. 2. Physical illness, exhaustion, emotional pr oblems, etc., seriously impair judgment, memory and alertness. The safest rule is not to act as an operator or observer when suffering from any of the above. Members are expected to "stand down" when these problems could reasonably be expected to affect their ability to perform flight duties. 3. A self-assessment of physical condition shall be made by all members during preflight activities. 4. Performance can be seriously hamper ed by prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The UAS Coordinator must be advise d anytime such drugs are being taken. If it is determined that the medication being taken could hamper an operator or observer, that member shall be prohib ited from the deployment or exercise.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 5. No member shall act as an operator or observer within eight hours after consumption of any alcoholic beverage, wh ile under the influence of alcohol, or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 (FAR 91.17)



### 7. Training

7.1 Objective

1. The key to continued safe operations is by maintaining a professional level of competency. The first step in this process is establishing minimum qualifications for selecting members, and the second st ep involves training those personnel.

7.2 Instructors

1. If any members are FAA certified flight instructors, they ar e given instructor duties. Such duties can include developi ng training courses, provide training, and student evaluation and documentation. 2. Duties of instructing new members shall fa ll upon those who have the most flight time and knowledge of UAS operations. Instructors are designated by those within the unit and approve d by the UAS Coordinator.

7.3 Training Plans

1. All members have a training plan on file that outlines training objectives for the upcoming year. This training plan will be held in conjunction with the member's normal training file per company policy. 2. The approved training plan is de veloped by the UAS coordinator. 3. All deployments or exercises are documented and count toward a member's training. 4. It is the member's responsibil ity to verify their training file contains all pertinent information.

7.4 Initial Training

1. Observers and Operators must have comp leted sufficient training to communicate to the pilot any instructions required to remain clear of conflicting traffic. This training, at a minimum, shall include knowle dge of the rules a nd responsibilities described in 14 CFR 91.111, Operating Near Other Aircraft; 14 CFR 91.113, Right-of-Way Rules: Except Water Op erations; and 14 CFR 91.155, Basic VFR Weather Minimums; knowledge of air traffic and radio communications, including the use of approved ATC/ pilot phraseology; and knowledge of appropriate sections of the Ae ronautical Information Manual. 2. In conjunction with fulfilling all trai ning requirements for operator/observer duties, the new member must also b ecome familiar with UAS operations, the aircraft and its equipment.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 3. Any new member who fails to successfully complete the initial training may be denied as a member of the UAS flight crew. 4. Before a member can fly as an operator, they must complete at least 15 hours of flight training with the UAS instructors to show proficiency of the flight training exercises and the airframe. This must be accomplished to show their ability and knowledge of the UAS.

7.5 Recurrent Training

1. All members within the unit shall maintain proficiency in their operator/observer abilities. Members who do not have any docum ented training or flight time within a span of 90 days will have to show proficiency before being an operator/observer during a deployment or exercise. 2. Recurrent training is not limited to act ual operating/observer skills but includes knowledge of all pertinent UAS/aviation matters. 3. Failure to prove proficienc y can result in removal from UAS responsibilities.

7.6 Miscellaneous

1. Depending on the nature of the traini ng request, all efforts are made to accommodate the hours of training so as litt le impact is made to staffing levels. 2. All requests for training shall be a pproved through the member's chain of command and timekeeping during those tr aining hours are marked by the UAS coordinator. 3. Members are encouraged to attend, a nd forward information on FAA sponsored safety seminars. 4. Training shall only be c onducted at approved locations and follow the provisions within the approved FAA regulations.



### 8. General Operat ing Procedures

8.1 Request for UAS Support

1. Requests for UAS support shall be made through the UAS coordinator who has the most current list of UAS operators and observers to contact. 2. Requests for UAS support can be made at any time during the day or night. 3. The UAS coordinator will submit a written Plan of Activities to the local FAA FSDO three days before the proposed mission. 4. If a request is made for UAS support during the night, MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. must contact the lo cal FAA FSDO for approval.

8.2 Call-out Procedure

1. The UAS coordinator will screen a ll initial requests to use a UAS. 2. The UAS coordinator will then contact the PIC to request the deployment of the UAS.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 3. The UAS Coordinator will also contact th e UAS flight crew who will screen the request using the following factors:

a. Is the proposed use of UAS within the capabilities of the UAS equipment and personnel to perform? b. Does the proposed use of the UAS fa ll within the FAA and department policies and regulations for UAS usage?

c. Can the UAS be deployed safely given current weather conditions? d. If the UAS deployment requires a wa rrant has one been requested and approved?

e. Are sufficient trained and qualified pe rsonnel available to safely operate the UAS? 4. The UAS flight crew will ei ther accept or decline th e request for UAS support. If the request is denied the UAS flight cr ew will provide a reas on for declining the support request to the UAS Coordinator who will provide the requestor this information along with the reason for d eclining. If the UAS Coordinator accepts the support request they w ill contact a UAS operator who will be provided all available mission information. 5. The UAS operator will contact a certified observer from the list of available trained observers. The UAS operator is re sponsible for trans porting the UAS and all required equipment to th e scene. Upon arriving at the requested location the UAS operator will contact the requestor to check in and receive a briefing on the mission requested. The UAS operator will make an on scene determination of the ability of the UAS to perform the reque sted mission safely and within company and FAA policies and procedures. 6. If the UAS operator determines that th e use of the UAS would violate company policy or directives then the UAS operator will inform the requestor of the potential conflict along with recommendations for modifying the requested mission to conform to company policies and procedures. As this is a change from the original approved mission the UAS opera tor will contact the UAS coordinator for direction on how to proceed. As soon as possible after the completion of the mission, the UAS operator will make a full report of the circumstances and their concern through the UAS coordinator. 7. UAS operators will have sole discretion fo r declaring safety or violation of FAA rules. If the UAS operator determines th at a requested mission would violate FAA rules or endanger person or property, th en the UAS operator will respectfully inform the requestor of the reasons for refusing to operate the UAS and contact the UAS coordinator immediately. The UAS will not be flown in this circumstance and the authority of the UAS operator is absolute. 8. If the UAS operator determines that the requested mission will potentially damage the UAS or its associated equipment the UAS operator will inform the requestor of their concerns. The UAS operator will fully document and send a report to the UAS coordinator.

8.3 Deployment Priorities

1. The UAS shall not be used for the purpose of random surveillance.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 2. If several separate requests for UAS support are received simultaneously, they shall be prioritized. 3. In general terms, requests for UAS support are prioritized as:

a. Ability to perform flight safely, if special provisions are needed. b. Urgency of flight operations

c. Longevity of client relationship

8.4 Flight Boundaries

1. Although there may be requests for UAS support in restrict ed airspace, FAA regulations for UAS restrict UAS depl oyment inside restricted airspace. 2. At no time shall UAS support be granted insi de restricted airspace without first obtaining permission from the local FAA FSDO and approval by lo cal authorities. 3. Maximum altitude shall not be set more than 400 feet per the FAA regulatory standards. 4. The operator will obtain the consent of all persons involved in the mission and ensure that only consenting persons will be allowed within 100 feet of the flight operation, and this radius may be reduced to 30 feet based upon an equivalent level of safety determination.

8.5 Minimum Personnel Requirements

1. Due to the nature of the mission, the minimum personnel required on ALL missions will be an operator and obser ver. Under no circumstances will an operator attempt to comple te a deployment alone. 2. Although training is not considered a mission, an observer shall be used.

8.6 Personnel Responsibilit ies for Deployments

OPEN COMMUNICATION ACHIEV ES SAFE OPERATIONS

1. Operator

a. The operator is direct ly responsible for, and is the final author ity over the actual operation of the UAS. b. Operators have absolute authority to reject a flight based on personnel safety or violation of FAA regula tions. No member of MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC., regardless of status, shall order an ope rator to make a flight when, in the opinion of the operator, it poses a risk to personnel or is in violation of FAA regulations.

c. Operators are responsible for compliance with this manual, company policy and procedure and FAA regulations. d. The operator's main duty during the de ployment of the UAS is to operate the UAS safely while accomplishi ng the goals of the deployment.

e. Operators shall see-and-avoid any obstacle that will lessen safety during the mission.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 f. Operators shall be responsive to the requests of the observer in order to accomplish the deployment.

g. Operators shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and updating of flight books. 2. Observer

a. Observers shall see-and-avoid any obsta cle that will lessen safety during the mission. b. Observers are responsible for the ope rational aspect of the deployment.

c. Observers shall operate any attachment s to the UAS, allowing the operator to maintain complete focus on the operation of the UAS. d. Observers shall remain alert for suspicious persons or activities on the ground and coordinate response by ot her UAS flight crewmembers.

e. Observers shall assist the operator in the main objective of safe operations of the UAS. f. Observers shall be responsible for documentation for mission training and updating of flight books.

8.7 Personal Equipment

1. Operators/Observers shall wear eye protec tion at all times while the UAS is in flight. 2. Although there is no specific uniform fo r the UAS unit or required for proper operation of the UAS, the operator/observe r should take necessa ry measures to deploy in a professional matter, wear Hi-V isible vests when a ppropriate, and take into consideration that all deploymen ts are subject to media requests. 3. Operators/Observers will take into cons ideration the current weather conditions when planning to deploy, and wear appr opriate clothing to deploy comfortably. 4. There are no documented issues with the use of the radio or cellular phones during the deployment of the UAS, but th e operator/observer should at all times take into consideration sa fe operation of the UAS when using a radio or another device (use of the radio or other devi ce is strictly prohi bited by the operator during flight). 5. Operators/Observers shall wear clothi ng that easily identifies them as MARYLAND SKY PICS, INC. UA S Flight Crew members.



### 9. Pre-Flight/Post-Flight Actions

9.l Inspections

1. Operators/Observers are both responsibl e for a thorough preflight inspection of the UAS. 2. Before and after each deployment (wheth er a mission or training), the operator and observer shall conduct a thorough in spection of the UAS in accordance with the instructions contained in the manufactures user's manual. 3. Any issues found that will put in jeopardy the safe operation of the UAS shall be documented and resolved immediately prior to flight.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 4. It has been recognized that the use of a checklist is a si gnificant method to combat UAS accidents. A pre-flight checklist is contained with each UAS Base Station and is utilized prior to each flight. 5. Any physical equipment that cannot be resolved on-site, and which have an impact on safety or the mission, will overr ide the deployment. These issues will be resolved before flight.

9.2 Weather

1. Before each deployment the operator/observer will ensure that he/she gathers enough information to make themselves familiar with the weather situation existing throughout the area of deploym ent. The operator shall utilize FAA approved weather resources to obtain the latest and most current weather conditions. 2. An anemometer should be utilized in or der to better estimate the wind speed and determine if it is within the capabilities of the airframe being flown. 3. Operators/Observers should use the B eaufort Scale when making deployment decisions in regards to wind conditions. 4. The weather conditions reported for the ope ration shall be recorded in the preflight checklist. 5. The operator shall ensure that the fli ght will occur within FAA VFR weather requirements.

9.3 Documentation

1. Inspection and weather will be documente d prior to flight within the log book. 2. After each flight, the operator will complete a statement documenting the UAS operations.

9.4 Planning

1. The operator/observer shall familiarize themselves with all available information concerning the deployment including, but not limited to, the weather conditions, hazards, description of the incident, deployment goals, etc. 2. Operators will ensure that the location for take-off and emergency landing is adequate for a safe deployment.

a. The take-off/landing area should be cl early marked and identifiable with short cones. b. At least one emergency landing area s hould be identified per deployment. 3. Operators will ensure that they are aware of their surroundings in the event that an emergency landing is necessary. This incl udes the ability to recover the UAS.

9.5 Checklists

1. Operators shall utilize pre-fli ght checklists to ensure the highest level of safety for deployment.Unmanned	Aircraft	Systems	Operations	Manual

Maryland	Sky	Pics,	Inc.	8627	Lawr ence	Hill	Road	Perry	Hall,	MD 21128 2. Prior to flight, the flight log shall be initiated.

9.6 Maintenance

1. Although there are few parts on the UAS that need servicing, it is necessary that the manufacturer's maintenance schedule is followed and properly documented. 2. Any issues that arise during maintenan ce that cannot be resolved by routine methods shall be forwarded to the manuf acturer for further technical support.

9.7 Other

1. Operators/Observers will ensure that no items are attached to the UAS prior to flight that are not required for safe operation and to complete the mission goal.